Sicilie en randonnée - Volcan de l'Etna

Skiing on the highest active volcano (3343 m) and largest (20 km
radius) of Europe with an eye to the sea is an experience that will
remain in your memories! It will not be the usual tour of ski touring !!
Etna offers a number of itineraries ranging from easy ski
mountaineering to steep channels of great satisfaction.

The climate on Etna favors a fairly compact snow and the inclination of
the slopes is also suitable for medium skilled skiers. The routes are
open from February to March, and often also from April to May. Through
the cable car you get to 2500 meters in less than fifteen minutes,
allowing ski-mountaineers to keep going with skis and skins and reach
the top in about three hours, being able to see closely the four summit
craters up to the altitude of over 3300 meters.
We are in the heart of the Etna Park, the first to be established among
the Sicilian parks in 1987: with its 59,000 hectares it has the goal of
protecting a unique natural environment and the extraordinary landscape
that surrounds the highest active volcano in Europe and to promote the
environmentally friendly development of populations and local
communities.
The Mediterranean atmosphere, the mild climate, the aromas, the warm and
cheerful Sicilian hospitality, the flavors of a traditional and
authentic cuisine will make your adventure in Sicily unique!

PROGRAM PROPOSAL – 4 days
1st day
Departure and flight to Catania.
Car rental at the airport.
Transfer and night in the chosen B&B in Nicolosi or Zafferana.
2nd day
Drive with the car up to the Sapienza hut, where you will take the
cablecar to reach the departure point at 2500 mt. From there you will
start your walk up to the southern east mouth of the volcano. +850
vertical drop.
Once on the top you can admire a splendid view on much of eastern
Sicily, in particular the Ionian coast, and if the horizon is clear
enough you will be able to sight the coast of Calabria and the Aeolian
Islands as well
You will then begin your descent back down the valley along the
beautiful slopes of the volcano, always having the Sicilian sea before
your eyes.
Once back at your B&B, you will still have time to enjoy the
Sicilian atmosphere and go for a visit in Taormina, Acicastello or
Acireale.
Night at the B&B.
3rd day
Transfer to the northern side of Etna to the Piani di Provenzana, where
you will take the ski lifts to reach the departure at around 2400 mt.
From there you will start your second climb on the volcano: keeping on
direction of Monte Degalotto and after a small break at the Piano delle
Concazze you will reach the northern-east crater. +950 vertical drop.
As the day before, you will have the opportunity to have a very long descent back down the valley.
Once back at your B&B, you will still have time to enjoy the
Sicilian atmosphere and go for a visit in Taormina, Acicastello or
Acireale.
Night at the B&B.
4th day
Depending on your flight time, you can decide together with the guide if
you would like to have another skitour on the volcano or if you take
the chance to go visit the magic city of Siracusa or Taormina before
heading back to the airport.

GROUPS
Every group can be composed of up to 8 people.

PRICE of the TOUR
€2000 to be divided between the number of participants.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
The assistance of a mountain guide of our Team who knows the terrain.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

flights tickets for yourself and the guide (the mountain guide can fly from Torino and meet the group at Catania airport);

accommodation for you and the guide (about €25/30 per night per person in B&B);

car rental;

meals and personal expenses.

FLIGHTS
We advise to book flexible flights in order to be able to change of dates in case of bad snow conditions.

BOOKING
To book your Sicilian trip it is necessary to define your dates and therefore pay the package by wire transfer.

INSURANCE
Cancellation and repatriation also ensures mountain rescue in case of
accident in the practice of mountain sports: insurance is strongly
recommended by ESPRITMONTAGNE for all participants. Without insurance,
in case of a rescue person concerned shall bear all costs associated
with the rescue, said.